The first working week after any school holiday always hits me hard. I’m a rushed blur of breakfast on the run, smudged mascara and arriving with minutes to spare, who isn’t? By the time the weekend rolls around, I feel like I’ve well and truly earned a break- time to switch off from planning, differentiation and next step marking, time to be me. Five days in sensible teacher wear and I was ready to embrace cute patterns and bright colours!

Last weekend, we decided to take a drive to Bygone Times in Eccleston, Lancashire. Billed as a place where the antique meets the unique, I’d describe it as a large warehouse of hot-potch stalls selling kitsch curiosities, vintage treasures and memorabilia. It’s a thrifter’s paradise, as well as an opportunity to stroll down memory lane. Whilst I’ve only visited few times since I was a child, each and every time I make a beeline for the stall stacked with vintage manuscript- it hasn’t moved in over twenty years! From this stall, I’ve picked up a small treasure of sonatas, symphonies and concertos over the years. No matter what’s there, I always enjoy sifting through the heaped piles looking for my next piece.

My shopping wasn’t just limited to manuscript. The shopping centre appears to stock a wider range of stalls selling vintage clothes. If you follow me on Instagram or Twitter, you will have seen the amazing vintage blouse I found priced at just £2. As it wasn’t the perfect fit, I left it for another vintage enthusiast to find however, I did come away with a soft leather tan satchel for £7. Although it’s slightly scuffed, it has a certain vintage charm that only comes with age and use. Someone has clearly loved it before me, but that’s definitely part of the attraction. Watch out for it in an outfit post soon!Overall, we enjoyed spending around three hours browsing the many stalls at Bygone Times. Tucked away in my bag was a cup of Emmi’s Caffe Latte. It made the perfect mid-afternoon iced coffee kick without taking time away from my vintage hunting! As part of their #staywarmkeepcool campaign, I was sent vouchers to try their iced coffee, as well as this snuggly scarf, and now I can say I’m a convert to iced coffee. Who knew?

As you know, I’ve pledged to wear more of what I already own and sell what I no longer wear. My dress rail is finally starting to become a little lighter after my latest Instagram sale (see shop link if you’re interested) and as a result, I can clearly see what I haven’t worn. This zebra print dress (swapped with Char back in summer for a pair of Henry Holland alphabet tights) had been hidden away until recently and I couldn’t wait to wear it.

Outfit Details

// Zebra dress :: Primark (swapped with Char & with added bow) //

// Satchel :: Cambridge Satchel Company //

// Cardigan :: H&M //

// Brooch :: Vintage (from my grandma) //

// Clogs :: Lotta from Stockholm //

Visiting Bygone Times has well and truly reignited my love of thrifting- finding the unique, one-offs to treasure among the tat. I’m already planning what we can do next weekend!

It looks wonderful!! I would love to go there!!! Char's dress looks perfect teamed with these other garments plus I love the brooch! Delicate and fun!!!x I smiled when you said you had the Orla uniglo items-it seems we gravitate towards certain items in a very similar way!!